7-Day Morocco Imperial Cities Tour

Upon arrival atMarrakech Menara Airport, you’ll be greeted by yourMorocco Friendly Travel driver, who will transfer you to your riad or hotel in the medina. After check-in, you can relax or take a short walk aroundJemaa el-Fnaa Square, where the evening atmosphere comes alive with food stalls, musicians, and storytellers. Your driver can recommend nearby restaurants for dinner—perhaps a rooftop spot overlooking the square. The rest of the evening is free to explore at your leisure before retiring to your accommodation.

After breakfast, alicensed local guide(not your driver) will meet you for afull-day guided tour of Marrakech’s historic sites. You’ll visit theBahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture; the ruins ofEl Badi Palace; and the hiddenSaadian Tombs, adorned with intricate tilework. Next, you’ll see the iconicKoutoubia Mosqueand explore theBen Youssef Madrasa, an ancient Islamic school with stunning carvings. The tour includes time in thesouks, where you can shop for spices, leather, and ceramics. Your guide will leave you in the late afternoon, and your driver can suggest a relaxing hammam or a dinner venue.

Your driver will pick you up after breakfast for the2.5-hour journey to Rabat, Morocco’s modern capital. Along the way, he’ll share insights about the landscapes and culture. In Rabat, you’ll visit theHassan Towerand the adjacentMohammed V Mausoleum, where Morocco’s former kings are buried. Next, you’ll explore theKasbah of the Udayas, a picturesque blue-and-white fortress by the sea, and stroll through the Andalusian Gardens. Your driver will recommend a seafood restaurant for dinner near theBouregreg Riverbefore dropping you at your hotel.

In the morning, you’ll have free time to revisit Rabat’s sights or explore the Chellah Necropolis, a tranquil ruin complex blending Roman and Islamic history. After lunch, your driver will take you to Meknes (1.5-hour drive). Upon arrival, you can explore independently, visiting Bab Mansour (one of Morocco’s grandest gates), the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and the sprawling Heri es-Souani granaries. Your driver will suggest a dinner spot in Lahdim Square, Meknes’ lively hub, before you overnight in the city.

After breakfast, your driver will take you toVolubilis, aUNESCO-listed Roman archaeological site(30 minutes from Meknes). You’ll wander among ancient mosaics and arches at your own pace before continuing toFez(1-hour drive). In Fez, you’ll check into your riad and have the afternoon free. Your driver can recommend a visit toBorj Nordfor panoramic city views or theMellah(Jewish Quarter). Dinner will be at a traditional restaurant in the medina.

Alocal guide(not your driver) will lead ahalf-day tour of Fez, starting at theAl Quaraouiyine University, the world’s oldest continuously operating university. You’ll visit theChouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed in vibrant pits, and theBou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Marinid architecture. After the tour ends around noon, your driver will take you toCasablanca(3-hour drive). Upon arrival, you can visit theCornicheseaside promenade orMorocco Mall. Your driver will recommend dinner spots before your overnight stay.

On your final day, your driver will take you toHassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa, where you can tour the breathtaking interior (if time allows). A quick photo stop atRick’s Café(inspired by the classic film) can be arranged before transferring toMohammed V Airportfor your departure.